Another Amp Poll with a Difference

[JimmyM]

I actually haven't tried out a Sadowsky at all. But I voted for it because I greatly favor all-tube amps and that was the only one listed. But if I'm being totally honest, I don't greatly favor having to move all-tube amps, so I'd probably go for the Woods because it's the lightest

 

[KJung]

I've played or owned all of these....LMII all the way!

It's kind of a silly poll, since these amps sound quite different from one another. Without including tone goals, playing style, volume need, etc., the comparison is reasonably silly (e.g., the Sadowsky SA200 is a fine tube amp, but doesn't fit my tone goals, etc.).

That being said, for a warm, 'middle of the road', reasonably loud, reasonably transparent amplification system, I have never heard anything better than the LMII!

 

[Sean S]

How many people have actually had the opportunity to try all these models?

If there is one, and only one man, who is likely to have tried them all, I would have to say Tom Bowlus. Where is he?

 

[BassmanDk]

Haven't tried 'em all but after reading about them from tests and TB, i choose the SA200. Seems to me that the others are more clean "fusionfriendly" toneoriented. And yes i know that Bisonette uses Markbass and Flea GK. Please don't flame me! Where's the SVT, DB750 and 400+ just to name a few? It seems to me that, aside from the Sadowsky, these amps were chosen based on weight!
But i always like any poll with the moniker "if money was no consideration". That's how i live my life (just don't tell my gf or banklady - oh wait never mind, they know!)

 

[Bass Clef]

Ken ,
It's not such a silly poll. It's just a list of amps which I either own, used in the past, tested out in a shop or just plain ol' GASSED over. Just curious to see how people would sway if they were ever given a chance to pick one of the amps listed without paying.

 

[Mr_Dave]

I voted for the Tfunk 550B, but what i'd really like is the new TFB750 when it comes out

 

[Bass Clef]

Anyone else wants to add to this !

TOM, WHERE R'YA MATE !

 

[Bass Clef]

TOM, R'YA OUT THERE MATE !

 

[KJung]

TOM, R'YA OUT THERE MATE !

Tom must be on vacation. I assume you know the answer... he'd go back and forth between the SA200 and the IP, and then choose the IP153

 

[Joelc73]

How many people have actually had the opportunity to try all these models?

I've actually spent time with every amp on this list. Right now I own an IP310 (with a Millennia or Demeter pre) and a Walter Woods Ultra.

 

[Earwigger]

I would spring for a Thunderfunk. It looks to me to be one of the best choices with a balance of power and tube/nontube sound. I've never seen one or played one, but my curiosity is immense.

 

[Risen Ashes]

I voted for GK 1001 RB but the Sadowsky would be my second choice

 

[tombowlus]

If there is one, and only one man, who is likely to have tried them all, I would have to say Tom Bowlus. Where is he?

Sorry, I have been away for a bit (under the weather, but doing okay now).

I'd need two votes. For the 'solid state' side of me, it's the Berg IP cabs (any config), all the way. But for my 'tube side', and even somewhat for my 'SS side', the SA200 is the King.

Bang for the buck award goes to the LMII, though, for sure.

Tom.

 

[tombowlus]

I assume you know the answer... he'd go back and forth between the SA200 and the IP, and then choose the IP153

You are probably right, Ken.

 

[washburnfan]

No Ampeg or Genz?? No trading?? FAIL... lol

 

[KJung]

You are probably right, Ken.

I REALLY want to hear that 153 unit!

 

[joelb79]

I'd have to say if money was no object, all of the amps would be owned by me.

if i had to choose one, Berg.

Right now, the LMII is all i need and i concur with Ken and Tom on their finding with the said head.

 

[GreyBeard]

I wouldn't choose any of the above. I like what I'm playing now better than anything I've ever played. SVP-Pro -> QSC PLX 1202 -> Accugroove El Whappo Jr.

 

[X Wolf]

I'm a tube fan so.... given these choices I would have to say the SA200.

George

 

[A9X]

A9X, what's the reason you like a separate preamp and power amp so much over a head? Are you one of those guys like Billy Sheehan who fell in love with a preamp they don't make anymore? Or do you like to run lots of giant speakers??

A few reasons. I like not to have a 'brand' sound, which many heads have. You get more watts/$ with Pro PA amps, they're generally better built and more reliable. It's easier to get a change in tone if tastes/needs/wants change enough by getting a new pre. Then there's my strong preference for biamping, which a 2ch pro PA amp facilitates. I'm building a new rig (I like to design and build audio gear) that will be triamped in two boxes. All the power will be in the mid/high box, which can also be used stand alone as a 10+horn super mini combo.
Cheers